Wells Cathedral has unveiled a packed calendar of group-friendly events and cultural festivals for 2026 as part of its campaign to become the UK’s most joyful Cathedral.
The calendar of events includes an art exhibition, the return of the Cider & Cheese Festival, a trail of mythical creatures and a candlelit concert at Christmas.
Wells Cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage for nearly 850 years. Alongside a calendar of events, the historic site offers a selection of guided tours for groups, with pre-booked tours benefiting from a range of perks and offers.
What’s on at Wells Cathedral?
From now until 1st September, mythical creatures are on display as part of an interactive trail for families over the summer. Children and adults alike are invited to follow a trail and take part in creative activities to track down the inflatable creatures.
The Cider & Cheese Festival (pictured below) had a hugely popular inaugural year in 2025 and will return on 26th September, featuring stalls of local produce, tastings, live music and games in the Cathedral gardens.
From 10th October until 7th November, Wells Cathedral will be filled with works of art as part of Wells Art Contemporary, an annual international competition and exhibition. This year’s theme, ‘For what is time?’ is inspired by St Augustine, and will feature 20 installations across the Cathedral, and 100 artworks in the Cloisters, by international artists and local community groups.
The year’s special events culminate in Christmas by Candlelight on 16th December, a candlelit classical concert featuring Tchaikovsky’s enchanting Nutcracker Suite and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
These events sit alongside a calendar of regular concerts and experiences, including Evensong and Lunchtime Organ Recitals.
Group guided tours at Wells Cathedral
Tours, led by passionate guides, are available to book every day. The High Parts Tours give groups access to the roof spaces of the Cathedral, while the Chained Library Tours allow visitors to peruse one the few remaining chained libraries in Britain.
Other special interest tours focus on the Cathedral’s stained glass windows and intricate textiles.
Groups can also visit the nearby Vicar’s Close, home to the Cathedral’s Choir for over 650 years. The medieval street offers open rooms and interactive spaces, and is currently undergoing a £7.4 million refurbishment with support from The National Lottery Fund.
Benefits for group bookings
Pre-booked tour groups benefit from free places for group organisers, tour managers and bus drivers as well as a free familiarisation visit. Wells Cathedral offers discounted rates and a private guide per 15 visitors on guided tours.
There’s a free coach park close to the Cathedral. A ‘meet and greet’ team will welcome groups during peak periods, and are on hand to provide maps, discounted shopping vouchers, and lunch vouchers for drivers.
You can learn more about group visits to Wells Cathedral at: wellscathedral.org.uk/visit/group-visits.
